SKH-25c-1997P-08 Spiked Head

Description

On the Washington Quarter, a spiked head affects George Washington's portrait rather than Lincoln's, and this eighth documented spiked head for the 1997 Philadelphia issue exhibits die cracks on both the obverse and reverse — indicating substantial deterioration beyond the primary spike. Die cracks on both sides suggest this die pair had absorbed significant striking pressure, with fractures propagating independently through both dies. The 1997 date holds particular significance for Washington Quarter collectors: it was the last year of the standard heraldic eagle reverse designed by John Flanagan, as the State Quarter program would launch in 1999, forever changing the series. Every 1997 quarter thus represents the final chapter of a design that had served American commerce since 1932. Spiked heads on quarters, though cataloged less frequently than on cents, follow the same mechanical origin — a die chip or fracture near the portrait creates a spike-like projection. Cataloged as SKH-25c-1997P-08 by Cuds on Coins, this variety documents die deterioration on the penultimate issue of the classic Washington Quarter design.

Attribution History

• Discovered by William (Bill) W
• Cross reference: none. 09/07/2024.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References